Get reliable science

This book presents our knowledge about the nature and distribution of the soils of Arizona and their relation to the diversity of geology, climate, vegetation and fauna of the state. Many soil scientists and investigators in related fields have contributed to the fund of knowledge about Arizona soils in particular and soils in general. Plate 1, the Arizona General Soil Map, was prepared in cooperation with the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. * Much of the data used to compile the map were obtained by field soil scientists as part of the National Cooperative Soil Survey. Through basic research other scientists have extended knowledge about how soils formed and the basic properties of soils, which is invaluable in predicting and understanding the distribution of soils. The nature and distribution of geology, physiography and climate are emphasized since they are important in affecting soil distribution. Vegetation distribution is addressed because of its relationship to the distribution of both climate and soils. Also, vegetation in turn may influence the nature of the soils.